Super Bowl XLVII – New Orleans

Super Bowl XLVII will be held on February 3rd, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. New Orleans has been one of the greatest host cities in Super Bowl history, having hosted many unforgettable and legendary images throughout the game’s history. New Orleans is always a prime candidate for the Super Bowl every year because of the Mardi Gras celebrations at roughly the same time of year as the Super Bowl, which makes for one grand entertainment extravaganza! The city will be hosting its 10th Super Bowl come February, which is tied for the most Super Bowl hosts with Miami (although Miami was rewarded as a consolation prize of the 2013 Pro Bowl host) being the other city having hosted the big game 10 times. The Superdome itself will be hosting for the 7th time, which will be two more than any other stadium in history.

New Orleans last hosted the Super Bowl in 2002 for Super Bowl XXXVI. That was the first Super Bowl held after the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and it was fitting that the New England Patriots, having introduced themselves as the “Patriots” and not as individual players, defeating the “greatest show on turf” team in the St. Louis Rams. Super Bowl XLVII will be the first hosted in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and since the damage done on the Superdome in 2005.

With Super Bowl XLVII coming to New Orleans for the first time since Katrina it garners the opportunity for New Orleans to shine on the big stage once again. The actual city of New Orleans, having been struck with hundreds of rebuilding projects since the hurricane has planned for many new and exciting developments that are projected to be completed in time for the big game. Among the vision of the collaboration of these projects is to cater to the fan’s experience from the time of stepping off the airplane to the time of kickoff. First off, the airport has had a $356 million overhaul, brand new taxi cab systems and regulations have been implemented, and the streets will be cleaned, paved, and painted in time for the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl coming to New Orleans means more to the city than it does to any other city as the implosion of new commerce and revenue is much needed in a rebuilding city.

New Orleans has been a great host city in seasons past. The aforementioned Super Bowl XXXVI probably being the most memorable as the Patriots won on Adam Viniatieri’s field goal only a few months after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, bringing a sense of irony to America’s patriotism. The previous event was the hosting of Super Bowl XXXI where the Green Bay Packers defeated the New England Patriots in 1997. That game saw the Packers winning its first Super Bowl title in 29 years as well as Desmond Howard’s record for the most return yards and Reggie White’s record of 3 sacks. Prior to that game was Super Bowl XXIV in 1990 where the San Francisco 49ers completely destroyed the Denver Broncos 55-10. It was the 49ers’ fourth Super Bowl win and their 55 points scored is still the game’s record. Other notable Super Bowls in New Orleans are highlighted by the Chicago Bears earning its first Super Bowl victory in 1986, and the Steelers’ first Super Bowl victory in 1975.

Although it has never been done before, the New Orleans Saints have the chance to play the Super Bowl in its home stadium. Such an occurrence has come close a couple of times with the Rams and 49ers. The Saints would be one of the prime teams to accomplish this task other than the New York Giants for Super Bowl XLVIII as the Cardinals and potentially the Dolphins are not likely Super Bowl host city teams to make it to the Super Bowl in the upcoming years.

This year’s game will be broadcasted by CBS and the halftime show will be featuring Beyoncé. It is also expected that a 30 second commercial will cost approximately $4,000,000, but who can blame companies for spending that much money on advertising when over 100 million people watch the game on television every year. With its rich history, rich culture, and a sense of “proving” itself to the world, it is clear that New Orleans is ready for this party to get started.

About The Author: Paul Jones is the founder of SB Tickets, your source for Super Bowl Tickets, Packages, Parties and more.